Elections Department unprepared for record number of student voters
Students turned out by the hundreds on Tuesday to vote at the new campus precinct at the UM Convocation Center. The turnout apparently caught the Miami-Dade Elections Department unprepared, despite the fact that their rolls reflected that students had registered in record numbers for this election. Nevertheless, the intrepid students and area neighbors maintained their good humor and endured wait times of up to five hours -- sustained by dozens of pizzas and crates of bottled water provided by the University. The total number of voters exceeded 1,000, and there were as many as 300 people in line at any given time. University staff and student leaders provided support and helped maintain order, and the last voters finally cast their ballots just after midnight.

On Wednesday, President Donna E. Shalala praised students for their “passionate commitment to our democracy.” She subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Elections Department citing "woefully inadequate provision of voting equipment and knowledgeable staffing," as well as the department's "lack of flexibility and inability to adjust to what were extraordinary lines during the course of the day." The president also requested that the elections supervisor come to campus to meet with student leaders and assure them of adequate preparation for the next election.

Benefits Administration announces vision benefits for 2005
The Bascom Palmer Eye Care Network (BPECN) will provide routine vision care for University faculty, staff, and dependents effective January 1, 2005. The BPECN is part of the University of Miami Medical Group (UMMG) and closely affiliated with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. The University of Miami vision care benefit includes an annual eye exam with an optometrist of the BPECN (there is a $30 co-pay). A directory of BPECN optometrists can be found on the Web. A referral is not required to see a BPECN optometrist, so you may call the BPECN optometrist directly to schedule a visit. In order to see an ophthalmologist, please review your health care plan as a referral and preauthorization may be required. For more information on the vision care benefit, contact the BPECN at 305-243-9999.

New collections available at Richter Library
The Otto G. Richter Library announces the installation of a Contemporary Fiction Collection and a Paperback Exchange Leisure Reading Collection. The Contemporary Fiction Collection consists of recent award-winning fiction titles (Pulitzer, American Book Award, Booker Prize, etc.), as well as other notable books from The New York Times, BookSense Recommended Title, and other lists. The collection is housed on the Richter Library's first floor in the Meyer Gold Reading Lounge. The Paperback Exchange is located in the first floor William H. Walker, Jr. Reading Area opposite the Current Newspapers Collection. These paperbacks do not have to be checked out or returned. Patrons are only asked that they replace any book taken with another book that is in decent condition.

University preparing for NCAA certification
The University has been involved in a self-study process for the past year in preparation for its National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) certification. The self-study report was submitted to the NCAA as part of this process, and the site visit is scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, November 15 to 17. Copies of the report are available in the reserve sections of the Richter, Calder, and Rosenstiel libraries for anyone to review. If you have any questions or comments, contact Norman Altman, chair of the NCAA Steering Committee, at 305-243-6415.

Important health care 2005 reminder
As of today, only 25 percent of the University's employees have signed up for health care in 2005. As a reminder, your 2004 health care election will not roll over for 2005. All faculty and staff must enroll online via the EASY system during Open Enrollment (until Tuesday, November 16) in order to have University health care coverage effective January 1, 2005. To access the EASY system you'll need your PIN (Personal Identification Number.) If you have forgotten, lost, or have never received a PIN, visit the EASY system at https://easy.miami.edu to assign yourself a PIN online. If you have health care questions during Open Enrollment you may contact Humana at 1-888-393-6765 or via e-mail at oe@humana.com.

Homecoming event at University Bookstore
In celebration of Homecoming Week, the University of Miami Bookstore is hosting a Hot Sauce & Salsa Wing Fest at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5. There will be a question and answer session with 'Cane Mutiny author Bruce Feldman and a free wings and salsa sampling. If you have any questions, call 305-284-3592 or 305-284-4101.

Panel discussion examines how the presidency was won
The School of Communication will host "What Happened? A Post-Mortem," a panel discussion on the issues that mattered in this year's election, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 in Studio C of the school. Panelists include Tom Fiedler, executive editor of The Miami Herald and one of the top political journalists in the country, who also will serve as moderator; Sergio Bendixen, recognized as an expert in Hispanic public opinion research in the United States and Latin America; James G. Kane, editor and chief pollster of The Florida Voter; and Sam Roberts, who holds the Frances L. Wolfson Chair at School of Communication and spent 32 years at CBS News as a reporter, producer, and executive, and later served as vice president and general manager of television programming at the New York Times Electronic Media Company. The event is presented as part of the Paul Peck Presidential Series and is organized by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the School of Communication. It is co-sponsored by the UM student organization Council for Democracy. Seating is limited.

Ben Bishin, assistant professor, Department of Political Science. Responsibilities: I teach American politics, including public opinion, political analysis (statistics), representation, and Congress. My research is primarily on representation and democracy. This month, I am running the UM Presidential Election Exit Poll Project. Favorite spot on campus: In the shade, by the lake, on the benches. Tunes and tastes: Sublime and Mexican food. Currently reading: For work: Partisan Hearts and Minds by Donald Green, Bradley Palmquist, and Eric Schickler, and for pleasure, The Two Americas by Stanley B. Greenberg. Title of your autobiography: 30 seconds over Miami? What would you be doing if you didn't work here? Working on a political campaign or playing cards.....or doing exactly what I do somewhere else! Last movie seen in the theatre: Believe it or not, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. Dream vacation: A month at a house on the beach of the North Shore of Oahu with my wife and dogs. DVD/VHS tape you are most ashamed to admit that you own: Nothing shames me! I've got the Lion King and Valley Girl! Way to start your day: Walking my dogs. Reality or game show you would most like to be on: Celebrity Poker.

University's volunteer center collecting gifts for children
The University's Butler Volunteer Services Center is once again sponsoring the Holiday Hope Tree Project -- a program that provides holiday gifts for economically disadvantaged children in the Miami community. This year the Salvation Army, the CHARLEE program, South Miami Head Start, and Catholic Charities are benefiting from this program. Stop by the Whitten University Center's Information Desk to pick up a child's request card. Purchase an "age-appropriate gift" for your child and return it, unwrapped, to the information desk by 12 p.m., Wednesday, December 1. A list of suggested gift ideas is also available at the Information Desk. If you have any questions, call Jennifer Bevilacqua at 305-284-4483.

Groundbreaking for Wolfson building addition
The School of Communication will host its homecoming alumni reunion and groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of the new student center to the Frances L. Wolfson building at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5 in the courtyard of the Frances L. Wolfson building. A reception will follow the groundbreaking ceremony. Call Gayle Remer at 305-284-1870 for more information.

Nominate someone for a teaching award
Nominations are now being accepted for 2005 Excellence in Teaching Awards. All full-time faculty members who teach undergraduate or graduate students (excluding law and medical schools) and who have been teaching at the University for at least three years are eligible. Students, alumni, administrators, or other faculty members may submit nominations, which are due by Monday, November 29. Nominations must be submitted via the online form at www.miami.edu/iac. Nominations from students are strongly encouraged.

Love Bridge dedication on Friday
On Friday, November 5 President Shalala will officially dedicate the bridge in front of the Wellness Center as the "Love Bridge" in honor of University alumni Patti and Allan Herbert. The reception begins at 4 p.m. in the Wellness Center atrium followed by the official dedication at 4:45 p.m.

'Canes host Clemson for Homecoming The 'Canes return to the friendly confines of the Orange Bowl for the 2004 Homecoming football game this Saturday, November 6 at 7:45 p.m. This year's opponent is ACC rival Clemson University. The Hurricanes lost their first game of the year last Saturday, snapping a 10-game winning streak that dated back to last season, when North Carolina's Connor Barth kicked a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the game. The loss dropped the Hurricanes out of the top five in the polls for the first time this season. Miami now ranks No. 11 in the AP poll and No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. Volleyball in action this weekend Be on hand at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 5 at the Knight Sports Complex as the Hurricanes volleyball team takes on the Maryland Terrapins in exciting ACC volleyball action. The first 50 fans in attendance will receive a free University T-shirt, courtesy of Perry Ellis/Cubavera. On Sunday, November 6 the Hurricanes take on the Virginia Cavaliers at 1 p.m. All fans are encouraged to wear orange for both games. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. For more information on women's volleyball and the 2004 season, visit www.hurricanesports.com or call 305-284-CANES. Men's basketball hosts exhibition game The University of Miami men's basketball team will play an exhibition game against Barry University at 7 p.m. tonight, November 4 at the UM Convocation Center. Tickets are $5 and are available by calling 305-284-CANES or online at www.hurricanesports.com. Season basketball tickets half-off for employees Hurricane basketball tickets for the inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference are on sale now, and University employees receive 50 percent off. Don't miss your chance to see some of the best teams in the nation, including home games against the Duke Blue Devils, Maryland Terrapins, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and the 2004 NCAA Finalist Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. First-year head coach and 2004 Rivals.com Recruiter of the Year Frank Haith leads the Hurricanes. Employee season tickets start as low as $88. To order, visit the Web, fill out the order form and fax to 305-284-3362. Call 305-284-CANES for more information.

November 4 to 13 As You Like It. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre and Alvin Sherman Family Stage will host performances of this William Shakespeare classic tale of comic love. Faculty, staff, seniors, students, and alumni admission is $14 for weeknights and matinees; $16 for Friday and Saturday nights. Regular admission is $14 for weeknights and matinees; $16 for Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, call 305-284-3355 or visit www.miami.edu/ring.

November 5 In Praise of Music. The University Chamber Singers will present David Conte's In Praise of Music at 8 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church (corner of Kendall Drive and Red Road). The 24-member University Women's Chamber Ensemble also will sing an eclectic variety of selections including a work in Estonian. For more information, call 305-284-4162, e-mail rmckinnon@miami.edu, or visit www.music.miami.edu/choralstudies.

November 6 Comedy show postponed. The Mike Epps comedy show at the UM Convocation Center has been postponed. The show has not secured a new date, therefore tickets purchased for the event may be refunded at the point of purchase.

November 7 Magnificent Magnificats. Sam Spears will lead the University Collegium Musicum and Collegium Cantorei in recently rediscovered works by early Baroque composer Michael Praetorius at 4 p.m. at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 1142 Coral Way. Many of these works have never been heard in the United States. For more information, call 305-284-4162 or visit www.music.miami.edu/choralstudies.

(New) December 4 Clear Channel's The Beat 103.5 FM BAKAPAOOLSA. The UM Convocation Center is hosting this event, presented by Church's Chicken with Lil Jon ("Yeah, Get Low"), Ciara ("Goodies"), Lil Scrappy ("No Problem") and more acts to be announced at 6 p.m. (door open at 5 p.m.). Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 5 and are $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, and $15.00 (not including tax or facility fees). For more information, call 305-284-8244 or visit www.umconvocationcenter.com.

(New) November 4 and 5 “Objectivity in Ethics, Part 1 and 2.” The Department of Philosophy hosts David Wiggins, professor emeritus and fellow of New College, Oxford University, to discuss part one of this topic at 3:30 p.m. in room 102 of the Memorial building, and part two at 3:30 p.m. on November 5 in room 118 of the Memorial building. He is the author of numerous books and articles in metaphysics, philosophy of language, and ethics. Refreshments will be served following the discussion. For more information, visit the Department of Philosophy Web site or call 305-284-4757.

November 5 "Paper Money, Colonial Debt, and Spectral Representation in the Salem Witchcraft Affair." The American Studies Program and the Department of English presents this talk by Michelle Burnham, associate professor of English at Santa Clara University, at 3:30 p.m. in room 427 of the Ashe building. Refreshments will be served.

(New) November 8, 9 and 10 Financial questions answered. A representative from Lincoln Financial Group will conduct individual financial counseling sessions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, November 8 at the medical campus; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9 at the Coral Gables campus; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10 on the Rosenstiel marine campus. To schedule an appointment, call Aimee Hugdahl at 866-524-2443.

November 8 and 9 Market Analysis and Marketing for Real Estate Development. The program is an intensive introduction to the subject and part of a series of executive education courses offered by the School of Architecture. This course combines real estate development with the School of Architecture's expertise in New Urbanism. It teaches the basic concepts and tools used to analyze and estimate the demand for a variety of residential, retail, and office components of projects and how to market real estate in walkable, mixed-use communities. This intensive seminar reviews marketing in all stages of development. For more information and updates, visit www.arc.miami.edu/knight or contact Julia Pizarro at 305-284-3731.

(New) November 9 "Transition from Communism: Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead for Cuba." The Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies Cuban Transition Project in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the United States and the Center for a Free Cuba are hosting this seminar from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Omni Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables. The Honorable Martin Palous, ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, will present welcome remarks. The three panels to be presented are "Lessons from Transitions in Totalitarian Countries," "Succession or Transition in Cuba," and "Strategies to Accelerate Transition." The luncheon keynote speaker is the Honorable Jeane Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The Honorable James C. Cason, chief of mission, U.S. Interests Section in Cuba, will also address seminar attendees. Cost is $45 for the seminar and lunch, $25 for just the seminar. Attendance to the seminar without lunch is free for students and faculty of the University. To make a reservation or for more information, call 305-284-2822.

November 9 Paralegal Studies information evening. The Division of Continuing and International Education will launch a second four-month paralegal training course starting in January 2005. If you, or somebody you know, is interested in a career as a paralegal, come and meet the instructors and learn about the profession and the course at 6 p.m. in room 101 of Allen Hall. Call Levar Walker at 305-284-5800 to reserve your seat. For more information, visit www.miamiparalegal.com.

November 10 "Breast Awareness - What Every Woman Should Know." This program is from 12 to 1 p.m. at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 as part of the Conversations about Cancer series. The presenter is Eli Avisar, M.D., co-leader, Breast Cancer Site Disease Group and assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Free of charge. Call 1-800-545-2292 to register. Seating is limited.

November 10 Interested in Genetics? The University's "Gene Team" is hosting an Inter-Campus Genetics Forum at 5:30 p.m. on the seventh floor of the Lois Pope Life Center. This event is sponsored by The John T. McDonald Center for Genetics and will include speakers from each campus of the University. This is an important step to improve communications between research groups within the University. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to R.S.V.P., send an e-mail to ilima@med.miami.edu.

(New) November 11 "The Myth of Moral Justice: Why Our Legal System Fails to Do What's Right." The Center for Ethics and Public Service at the School of Law is hosting a luncheon discussion with author and professor Thane Rosenbaum from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Alma Jennings Foundation Student Lounge in the school. A complimentary lunch will be provided. To R.S.V.P., call 305-284-4551.

(New) November 11 "The Ask -- Fearless Fundraising: How to Ask for Money Without Embarrassment." The School of Business Administration's Center for Non-Profit Management presents the next lecture in the 2004 - 2005 Dade Community Foundation Workshop Series from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Executive Education Center in the school. Learn how to pinpoint, make the case, ask for, and close the major gift. Registration fee is $25. For more information, call 305-284-5670 or visit http://nonprofit.miami.edu/.

November 11 Sales Institute Certificate. The Division of Continuing and International Education is offering this three-day program designed to assist you or your sales staff to achieve dramatic sales results and a much-improved bottom line. Get registration information by calling 305-284-6720, or via e-mail. Visit the Web site at www.miami.edu/salesinstitute for more details.

November 13 UMOS course. Sign-up for the final University of Miami Office Specialist (UMOS) class that ends on Saturday, December 18. UMOS is a certification course created by the University to establish a nationally recognized standard of business computer skills. It is an intensive, hands-on, lab-based course that trains, tests, and certifies all the core skills for Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The course was designed for people with some basic computer experience wishing to become proficient in all the popular Microsoft office applications. Qualified employees and all students can register for the special price of $395. For more information or to register, visit www.miami.edu/umos or call 305-284-5800.

(New) November 20 Information Technology Security + classes. Worms, viruses, Trojan Horses, "Ping of Death", hackers … scared already? How important is IT Security to your department? CompTIA's Security+ Certification course will be offered at a discounted price of $495. This 32-hour, hands-on class covers industry-wide security topics like communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack, and operational and organization security. Classes are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday through December 18 at the Division of Continuing and International Education (Allen Hall). Call 305-284-5800 for more details or visit www.miami.edu/ct.